Blackridge Reservoir Q&A

As the summer draws to a close and we can look back on the first season of Blackridge Reservoir, I thought it might be helpful to address commonly-asked questions about the project. As a Herriman City Councilman in the neighborhood, my goal is to help keep residents informed and to encourage input on the continuing phases of its development.

1. Where does the water come from and what it is for? The supply of water comes from the Welby Jacobs canal which is located around 4000 West. The booster pump station is just south of 13400 South along the canal. The reservoir has a capacity of 20.2 million gallons of secondary water, or 62 acre feet. At its deepest point it is 18 feet deep. The reservoir supplies secondary water to Riverton and Herriman and is also used for recreation.

2. Has Herriman sold our water rights to Riverton? No. We are NOT selling, nor have we sold water rights to Riverton to help pay for the reservoir, or for any other reason. I do not know where this rumor started, but it is false.

3. When will Herriman have secondary water? That is a good question. Right now the city is in the process of having a water model outlined to assist us in the most effective and efficient way to send secondary water to as many connections as possible. In our current economic slowdown, we ask for your patience. The connections will be completed when the funds are available. At this point, budget is not available to complete the secondary water connections. The estimated time frame is 1-5 years. I must say that our city is in great shape financially as we currently have our rainy day fund at 18%, the maximum allowable by state statute. I have examined the budget and we are running a very tight ship. City staff is doing more and more with less money and they are to be commended. Cities cannot print money like the fed – we always run a balanced budget and we are fiscally conservative and transparent in this regard.

4. When will the amenities in the park surrounding the reservoir be completed? As we collect park impact fees with new building permits, these fees will raise the funding mechanism for the amenities. The planned amenities include restrooms, adequate parking, grass and play areas, a dock and showers. A volleyball court and gazebos for picnicking will also be added. I would love your input regarding what you would most enjoy in the recreation area. Please email me with your suggestions.

5. Is the reservoir stocked with fish? The reservoir is not currently stocked with fish, but the city intends to do so. Right now the Division of Wildlife Resources is working on acquiring disease-free fish for the reservoir. It is expected that it will be stocked with Blue Gil, Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Trout. We are working with the Department of Wildlife Resources to limit certain times of the year for fishing- times will probably be limited early Spring and late Fall so that fishing does not conflict with the other recreational aspects of the park. The DWR has to give the city permission to limit the timeframe of when fishing is allowed.

6. Why does the water level in the reservoir fluctuate? Riverton is currently utilizing the reservoir to meet their secondary water needs and will discontinue using it around October 15th. It is anticipated that the reservoir will not be completely drained for the winter as some water will be needed to keep the clay liner from drying out.

7. What is being done about the traffic and crime around the reservoir? The local sheriffs’ department is patrolling the reservoir in the morning, afternoon and evening as well as responding to calls for service. They are looking at using overtime to mitigate any issues that need to be addressed during the busy summer months. There have been several arrests for alcohol-related incidents and local units have issued over 100 traffic citations, mostly due to speeding. When the project is complete, it is planned that the current entrance to the reservoir will be one way in and one way out. That change should divert half of the traffic off of Ashland Drive. Also, once the recreation area is landscaped and complete there should be fewer nuisance problems. Law enforcement is very conscious of after-hours activity (the park closes at 10:30 pm) and will continue to monitor that very closely. When the new UFA fire station is completed at 4850 West Mount Ogden Peak Drive (14620 South) then water and ice rescue equipment will be even closer, increasing the speed at which emergency units can respond. I am thankful to the local sheriffs’ department and their efforts in keeping Herriman safe as the reservoir has caused an increase in traffic and law violations this summer. They are doing excellent work and are to be applauded.

Blackridge Reservoir aerial photograph courtesy Raquel DeLuca

8. Will there be concessions available next season? This is in the discussion phase right now but I am pushing for it to happen. As we are in a limited budget year, it is my hope that one of our mobile concession trailers will be placed at the reservoir during peak days and weekends next year when not needed for other city events. I will keep you posted on this one.

9. What are the park rules? The park is open from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm and does not have a lifeguard on duty. In every open-water situation you are swimming at your own risk. I encourage everyone to take appropriate safety measures when swimming in the reservoir. We can never be too careful. No fire or fireworks are allowed at the park. Pets are not allowed in the water and dogs must be on a leash. At this time fishing is prohibited as well. Smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are all prohibited. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach. All of these rules are clearly marked at the reservoir for everyone to see and hopefully follow. We can all take pride in this park by how we treat it. If you happen to see someone breaking the rules or littering, feel free to remind them of their duty. I want to commend the parks department for their excellent service to our community. They are always on top of any issue that needs to be addressed in this and all of the wonderful parks in Herriman. I believe that our parks are first-rate in the state!

I thank you for the opportunity to serve on the City Council. My goal is to gather your input and take it to the planning meetings I attend. While I am only one vote, I will do all I can to communicate your opinions and concerns. Blackridge Reservoir is truly a gem in this valley. Great things await us in the future!

Mayor Crane and I as well as city employees will be available to address any further questions you might have regarding the future of Blackridge Reservoir as well as any other non-reservoir related questions next Wednesday September 30th at 7 pm at the village clubhouse at Rosecrest located at 5163 West14620 South.